In the last 15 years, at least eight local newspapers have closed in Virginia, 
including the latest in Halifax County on November 27th. Studies have shown that there’s a direct correlation between low voter turnout and increased partisan politics in areas with no local newspaper.

On Novembers 16, 2023, leaders of the LWV-WA spoke to 30 League members from across the state about their recently completed study and report “The Decline of Local News and its Impact on Democracy.” It was an enlightening and important meeting that can be viewed here, for those of you who were unable to attend.